NCT05908565 · University of California, Los Angeles
Project 2: Optimizing Engagement and Outcomes in STAND Digital Therapy
(P2)
What this study is about
The goal is to optimize peer coaching in order to optimize engagement and outcomes in digital therapy. The unmet mental health needs of community college students are staggering and a growing body of research demonstrates that therapy provided digitally with the assistance of trained community members without advanced degrees in mental health is an effective and scalable way to address these needs.
View original scientific description
The goal is to optimize peer coaching in order to optimize engagement and outcomes in digital therapy. The unmet mental health needs of community college students are staggering and a growing body of research demonstrates that therapy provided digitally with the assistance of trained community members without advanced degrees in mental health is an effective and scalable way to address these needs. Despite being effective for improving symptoms and functioning in those who engage in it, uptake and engagement in digital therapy is generally quite low. Recent research suggests that this is especially true of Latinx individuals, who tend to have unique and significant unmet mental health needs. To address these issues, Project 2 will examine treatment engagement, treatment satisfaction, symptoms and functioning outcomes among Latinx students at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) receiving digital therapy with peer coaching in the STAND program.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Demographic Matching
At randomization, students will be randomized to a Latinx or non-Latinx coach and will be informed whether or not their coach identifies as Latinx. Although we are not recruiting coaches or matching coaches with participants based on gender, gender identity or lived experience with mental health problems, we will collect these data from coaches in order to do conduct secondary exploratory analyses examining these variables as predictors or moderators of outcome.
BEHAVIORAL
Supervision Intensity
Coaches will be assigned to either standard supervision or reduced supervision, with equal distribution across Latinx vs non-Latinx. Coaches assigned to standard supervision will receive weekly supervision by a licensed provider consistent with the procedures outlined in the Data and Safety Monitoring Plan for the Signature Project. Coaches assigned to reduced supervision will attend weekly group supervision, but their session recordings or live sessions will not be reviewed by licensed supervisors or advanced peers and they will not receive personalized feedback about how they are performing in their sessions. Students will not be informed which supervision condition they have been assigned to in order to maintain high treatment expectancies. Of note, this design prohibits the coach and supervisors from being blind to participant condition.
Primary outcome measures
Engagement
Time frame: Up to 24 weeks
Indexed by 1) proportion of digital therapy lessons completed and 2) proportion of coaching sessions attended.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Currently enrolled in the East Los Angeles College
- Either uninsured or covered by California Medicaid
- Own or have private access to internet to complete the assessments and online prevention and therapy programs
- Self-identify as Latinx.
Exclusion criteria
- Unable to fully comprehend the consent form, respond adequately to screening questions, or maintain focus or to sit still during assessment
- Diagnosed with disorders requiring more specialized care (e.g., psychotic disorder, severe eating disorder, severe substance use disorder, severe neurological disorder), or marked cognitive impairment
- Currently treated by psychiatrist or psychologist during timeframe that the treatment is offered through STAND and is unwilling to fully transfer care to STAND
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 31, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations